A Kansas businessman is lifting spirits and carrying on a 21-year-old Christmas tradition by assisting in the distribution of food to those in need, despite his own health struggles.
“This has been such a special time, and we really couldn’t have done it without the community,” Shawn Holiday, co-owner and Doug Holiday’s wife, said of their family tradition. “But this is all our boys have ever known since they were young.
Doug and Shawn Holiday launched the famed BBQ establishment in Lawrence, Kansas, in 2004, and the First United Methodist Church approached them for assistance.
“Since 2004, we’ve done this on Christmas Eve. Here’s what we do. We come in, fetch the turkeys, clean them, and prepare them for the smoker. If the weather is terrible, the boys and Doug will spend the night here to ensure that the smoking process goes smoothly,” Shawn Holiday explained while preparing the dinners.
This year marks their 21st year of assisting with lunch preparation for the church. Doug claims that in the two decades since its inception, they have cooked over 1,300 turkeys and fed more than 20,000 people.
“So that’s a pretty good record, I think,” Doug replied, chuckling.
This year, however, has been particularly difficult for the Holiday family.
Doug Holiday, a three-time cancer survivor, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in the beginning of 2024.
“You just need to keep pushing forward. I had a different type of cancer in 2014, and we did the same thing. My boys pitched in… I have three boys. They’ve all grown up and come back to help. “And it means a lot to me,” Doug Holiday said, fighting back tears.
Doug Holiday previously battled non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and melanoma cancer.
Despite his health issues, Doug says this ritual with his family and community is what he most looks forward to each holiday season.
“It means everything to me. It truly does, and it makes it so special for me [to share this with his family]. I can’t articulate it; it’s a really emotional time,” Doug Holiday explained.
Shawn Holiday stated that the Lawrence community’s need for meals grows year after year, and she is continuously astounded by the support they receive for this event.
“It appears that the need has grown during the last few years. So it’s great that everyone steps up to support those in need. I mean, we’ve had some personal issues that have gone wrong. But even if Doug isn’t feeling well, he would never disappoint the community,” Shawn Holiday stated.
Shawn went on to say that over the years, their consumers have also contributed to the festive spirit.
“Customers come in and drop off bags, and they bring turkeys to give for the community supper. “I mean, it’s a whole project that everyone participates in, and it’s an incredible experience,” Shawn concluded.
“It demonstrates the amazing people who live in Lawrence, Kansas, and how everyone can band together for a common cause and help one another.” And that is what makes the entire thing so interesting. “That’s what I like about Lawrence, Kansas,” Doug Holiday said, echoing his wife.
Doug explained that what makes it even more memorable is that his three grown sons, Seth, Jacob, and Ben, continue to attend each year and carry on the family tradition.
“All the boys are grown up. What’s surprising is that when we first started doing this in 2004, we probably spent 4 to 5 hours preparing the turkeys and getting them ready for the smoker. And it’s taking less and less time as they’ve matured,” Doug explained.
“It has been quite fulfilling for me to know that my sons care and want to help. “I look forward to it every year.”
Donations for the community supper can be made to the American Cancer Society or the First United Methodist Church in Lawrence, Kansas.